Will DWP accept a "Fit Note" that says indefinite?

PeachyAna90
PeachyAna90 Community member Posts: 23 Connected

Hello,

I've written on here before that my husband and I are having to move to UC and I've been recommended to get a"fit note" from the GP before applying. I called up today and got my fit note and the Dr put on it "indefinite" period of time, will this be accepted? I'm really nervous it won't be accepted as I've seen some people on here say it won't be.

Comments

  • Jimm_Scope
    Jimm_Scope Posts: 4,355 Online Community Specialist

    If Universal Credit receives a fit note that is for longer than 28 days you are very likely to be referred to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). As long as the fit note is properly signed by the GP I can't see why there would be an issue with it.

    You can read more about the WCA here: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/work-capability-assessment-esa

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing

    You will likely be asked for an end date of that fit note so put a date in that's way into the future.

  • WhatThe
    WhatThe Community member, Scope Member Posts: 1,854 Championing
    edited July 15

    Hi Peachy,

    My GP gave me 'fit notes' for 12 month periods. It states on the form that the patient will not need to be assessed at the end of this period.

  • PeachyAna90
    PeachyAna90 Community member Posts: 23 Connected

    Is that something I'm allowed to do myself? As another member pointed out on this they have a 12 month fit note, is that the longest I can do? Or would I have to ask for a new one? Is there a limit?

  • WhatThe
    WhatThe Community member, Scope Member Posts: 1,854 Championing

    No, take it back to the GP to be amended. Mine were renewed on the same date every year so they never expired.

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing

    It doesn't need to be amended because fit notes can be indefinite it's just UC will automatically ask for an end date of the fit note.

    Nope, there's no maximum length of a fit note.

  • WhatThe
    WhatThe Community member, Scope Member Posts: 1,854 Championing

    Happy to be corrected 😉

  • PeachyAna90
    PeachyAna90 Community member Posts: 23 Connected

    So can I legally add a date onto it? Onto the form itself? Or will I have to do it when it goes into the portal (I think it's called that but I'm not sure)

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing

    Yes you can add a date. It's not a form. When you claim UC you will need to report your health condition. This will then prompt an action on your to do list to provide a fit note. Click that and it will simply ask you to provide the details on it.

    I"m not sure what portal you're referring to? When you provide a fit note, you provide the details on it and keep hold of it incase they ask you for it.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community member Posts: 2,971 Championing

    I think they meant 'journal' rather than portal.🙂

  • PeachyAna90
    PeachyAna90 Community member Posts: 23 Connected

    I have the note digitally I guess I'll have to print it off?

    So to clarify:

    When we go to switch over to UC and I provide them the fit note I can add a very long date into the journal as it'll ask for one? For example: 20/1/2070?

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing

    If they ask to see it then yes print it off. Yup put any future date. You are making this more complicated than what it is. The reason a date is needed is because it will not acknowledge the word "indefinite" because that's not a date.

  • PeachyAna90
    PeachyAna90 Community member Posts: 23 Connected

    I apologise, my husband says I have a habit of over complicating things and overthinking, it's an annoying part of my anxiety and I'm trying to self manage it. Thank you so much for your help!

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing

    You're welcome. 😊